What is Alzheimer Disease?

Alzheimer disease is a progressive and degenerative disease that destroys brain cells and is ultimately fatal. Among the changes that occur in the brains of people who develop Alzheimer disease is the shrinking or disappearance of brain cells, which are replaced with plaques or tangles which choke healthy brain cells and disrupt normal brain function.

As a result of this attack on the brain cells, symptoms of the disease become more prevalent and certain functions and abilities are gradually lost. A person may have difficulty remembering things, making decisions and performing everyday activities. As well, they may become disoriented easily, have problems with abstract thinking and experience changes in personality including mood swings and loss of initiative. There is currently no cure and no way to stop the disease, however, treatments are available which may slow its progression.

The cause(s) of Alzheimer Disease have not been identified. Researchers believe that although it is not a normal part of aging, it is more common in people as they age. Some areas researchers have studied, besides the aging process, are; genetics, environmental toxins, infections, alcohol and tobacco use, diet and exercise. There is a general belief that there is no single factor responsible, but a combination of factors that lead to the onset of Alzheimer disease.

The disease was first identified by Dr. Alois Alzheimer in 1906. He identified both the “plaques” and “tangles”, which in turn form dense deposits throughout the brain and then become toxic to brain function by choking off living cells, causing them to degenerate and die. Research over the years has made some progress in understanding the disease. However, until recent projections of the true cost of the disease on society as a whole, including health care and family caregivers, the focus has not been as aggressive in seeking a cure as it is now.

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